Work in a restaurant, catering facility, campus dining hall, or local hotel to gain relevant experience. Acquire supervisory skills and experience by assuming roles such as Assistant or Student Manager.

Join student professional associations and seek leadership positions.

Build a strong foundation in customer service. Learn to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people and to work well in teams.

Develop the ability to effectively problem solve, make quick decisions independently and to handle stress while meeting deadlines. Become detail-oriented.

Prepare to work “from the bottom up” to gain industry experience and to relocate for promotions.

Demonstrate enthusiasm for working with the public.

Gain experience in reservations or telephone sales. Master the product line and learn to give excellent service.

Obtain a graduate degree in business, law, or a related field to increase opportunities for advancement.

Communications

Writing

Editing

Research

Electronic Media

Photography

Self-employment/Freelance

Newspapers, magazines, and trade journals

Publishers: guide and travel books, travel newsletters

Internet sites related to the industry

Video producers

Tour operators

Federal, state, and local government: tourism offices and visitor bureaus

Study and gain an in-depth knowledge of industry trends.

Take journalism or English classes to hone writing skills.

Work for campus newspapers and other publications or write for organizational or departmental newsletters.

Develop effective research methods and computer skills.

Practice paying attention to detail and meeting deadlines.

Study or work abroad while in school.

Travel as much as possible in the United States and beyond.

Create a portfolio or build a website to showcase work.

Education

Teaching

Research

Administration

Colleges and universities

Strategies & Information:

Gain professional industry experience. Attend and speak at conferences, trade shows and professional associations. Network in the industry for professional contacts.

Determine an area of expertise. Gain an in-depth knowledge of that industry, its leaders and trends by reading recent books, journals, and annual reports.

Develop strong writing and research skills.

Maintain a high grade point average and secure strong recommendations for graduate school admission.

Obtain a Ph.D. to teach at the university level. Some community colleges may hire candidates with master’s degrees.

General Information and Strategies

Bachelor’s degree qualifies you for entry-level industry and government positions. Master’s degree qualifies you for community college teaching and advancement in industry and government. A doctoral degree is required for advanced research or teaching positions in colleges and universities and senior positions in government.

Join professional organizations such as The National Tour Association, The American Hotel and Motel Association, or The National Restaurant Association to stay abreast of current issues in the field and to increase networking contacts.

Other important qualities for this field include working well in teams, handling stress, and meeting deadlines.

Take additional courses and/or travel abroad to gain a better understanding of world history, geography, customs, and international relations. Learn a second language. This will help you communicate effectively with more guests.

Utilize campus career centers, faculty members, and professional organizations for employment leads.